Vinayakan, R; Dr. George Thomas, K(National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology,CSIR, May , 2009)
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Abstract:
The overall focus of the thesis involves the synthesis and
characterization of CdSe QDs overcoated with shell materials for various
biological and chemical sensing applications. Second chapter deals with the
synthesis and characterization of CdSe and CdSe/ZnS core shell QDs. The
primary attention of this work is to develop a simple method based on
photoinduced charge transfer to optimize the shell thickness. Synthesis of
water soluble CdSe QDs, their cytotoxicity analysis and investigation of
nonlinear optical properties form the subject of third chapter. Final chapter
deals with development of QD based sensor systems for the selective
detection of biologically and environmentally important analytes from
aqueous media.
We have investigated the crystallization characteristics of melt compounded nanocomposites of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and single
walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). Differential scanning calorimetry studies showed that SWNTs at weight fractions as low as 0.03 wt% enhance
the rate of crystallization in PET, as the cooling nanocomposite melt crystallizes at a temperature 10 °C higher as compared to neat PET.
Isothermal crystallization studies also revealed that SWNTs significantly accelerate the crystallization process. WAXD showed oriented
crystallization of PET induced by oriented SWNTs in a randomized PET melt, indicating the role of SWNTs as nucleating sites.
Rani, Joseph(Wiley InterScience, October 22, 2006)
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Abstract:
Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) nanocomposites
with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have
been prepared by a simple melt compounding method. With
increasing concentration (0-3 wt %) of SWNTs, the mechanical
and dynamic mechanical properties improved, corresponding
to effective reinforcement. Melt rheological characterization
indicated the effective entanglements provided by SWNTs in
the melt state as well. Thermogravimetric analysis suggested no influence of SWNTs on the thermal stability of PET. Electrical
conductivity measurements on the composite films pointed
out that the melt compounded SWNTs can result in electrical
percolation albeit at concentrations exceeding 2 wt %.
Johny T, Varghese; Dr. Madhusoodana Kurup, B(Cochin University of Science and Technology, April , 2007)
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Abstract:
Controlling the inorganic nitrogen by manipulating carbon /
nitrogen ratio is a method gaining importance in aquaculture
systems. Nitrogen control is induced by feeding bacteria with
carbohydrates and through the subsequent uptake of nitrogen from
the water for the synthesis of microbial proteins. The relationship
between addition of carbohydrates, reduction of ammonium and the
production of microbial protein depends on the microbial conversion
coefficient. The carbon / nitrogen ratio in the microbial biomass is
related to the carbon contents of the added material. The addition of
carbonaceous substrate was found to reduce inorganic nitrogen in
shrimp culture ponds and the resultant microbial proteins are taken
up by shrimps. Thus, part of the feed protein is replaced and feeding
costs are reduced in culture systems.The use of various locally available substrates for periphyton
based aquaculture practices increases production and profitability .However, these techniques for extensive shrimp farming have not so far been
evaluated. Moreover, an evaluation of artificial substrates together
with carbohydrate source based farming system in reducing inorganic
nitrogen production in culture systems has not yet been carried-out.
Furthermore, variations in water and soil quality, periphyton
production and shrimp production of the whole system have also not
been determined so-far.This thesis starts with a general introduction ,
a brief review of the most relevant literature, results of various
experiments and concludes with a summary (Chapter — 9). The
chapters are organised conforming to the objectives of the present
study. The major objectives of this thesis are, to improve the
sustainability of shrimp farming by carbohydrate addition and
periphyton substrate based shrimp production and to improve the
nutrient utilisation in aquaculture systems.
Description:
School of
Industrial Fisheries, Cochin University of Science and Technology
Ramanathan, R; Dr .Sugunan, S(Cochin University of Science and Technology, December , 2006)
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Abstract:
Catalysis is a very important process from an industrial point of view since the production of most industrially important chemicals involves catalysis.Solid acid catalysts are appealing since the nature of acid sites is known and their chemical behavior in acid catalyzed reactions can be rationalized by means of existing theories and models. Mixed oxides crystallizing in spinel structure are of special interest because the spinel lattice imparts extra stability to the catalyst under various reaction conditions so that theses systems have sustained activities for longer periods. The thesis entitled" Catalysis By Ferrites And Cobaltites For The Alkylation And Oxidation Of Organic Compounds " presents the preparation ,characterization ,and activity studies of the prepared spinels were modified by incorporating other ions and by changing the stoichiometry.The prepared spinels exhibiting better catalytic activity towards the studied reactions with good product selectivity.Acid-base properties and cation distribution of the spinels were found to control the catalytic activity.
Description:
Department of Applied Chemistry,
Cochin University of Science and Technology
Rajesh Krishnan, G; Dr. Sreekumar, K(Cochin University of Science and Technology, June , 2008)
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Abstract:
The present thesis has described the development of some heterogeneous
catalysts based on polymer supported dendrimers. Attachment of dendrimers to
crosslinked polymer produced new catalysts with combined benefits of both
dendrimers and heterogeneous catalysts. These were used as heterogeneous
catalysts in selected reactions. All possible attempts were taken to avoid
halogenated and aromatic solvents and toxic reagents. In short the present work
has dealt with development of environmental friendly catalysts based on
dendrimers.
Description:
Department of Applied Chemistry, Cochin University of Science and
Technology
Sugunan, S; Suja, H; Deepa, C S; Sreejarani, K; Ouseph, M V(Indian Journal of Chemistry, November , 2002)
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Abstract:
Surface acidity of phosphate modified La2O3,CeO2 and SnO2 has been estimated by titrimetric Method using Hammett Indicators.Mixed Oxides of tin and lanthanum have also been prepared and subjected to phosphate modification.Surface characterizartion of the samples has been carried out using XRD, surface area,thermal analysis and IR spectroscopy.
Phosphate content in the samples has been chemically estimated. The catalytic activity for benzylation and esterification reaction has also been investigated.
Rahna, K Shamsudeen; Dr. Sugunan, S(Cochin University of Science & Technology, December , 2001)
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Abstract:
In the present study, we have prepared and evaluated the physical and
chemical properties and catalytic activities of various single, mixed and modified
pillared montmorillonites. The single oxide pillared clays include AI-, Fe- and Cr-pillared
montmorillonites. The mixed oxide pillared montmorillonites such as Fe-AI
and Cr-AI pillared systems with various Fe(Cr)/Al ratios are also prepared.
Modification of iron-pillared system is done by vanadia impregnation.
Characterisation using various physico-chemical techniques and a detailed study of
acidic properties are also carried out. Major part of our work is oriented to evaluate
the catalytic activity of the pillared systems towards certain important catalytic
reactions. Our samples are found to be excellent catalysts for the reactions namely
Friedel-Crafts benzylation and benzoylation, methylation of aniline and catalytic wet
peroxide oxidation of phenol.
Description:
Department of Applied Chemistry,
Cochin University of Science and Technology
Deepa, C S; Dr.Sugunan, S(Cochin University of Science & Technology, August , 2002)
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Abstract:
In the present work, we have tried to evaluate systematically the surface properties
of sulphated tin oxide systems modified with three different transition metal oxides viz. iron
oxide, tungsten oxide and molybdenum oxide. The catalytic activities of these systems are
checked and compared by carrying out some industrially important reactions such as
oxidative dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene and Friedel-Crafts reactions.
Description:
Department of Applied Chemistry,
Cochin University of Science and Technology
Maya, G; Dr. Sugunan, S(Cochin University of Science and Technology, December , 2006)
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Abstract:
The aim of catalysis research is to apply the catalyst successfully in economically
important reactions in an environmentally friendly way. The present work focuses on the
modification of structural and surface properties of ceria and ceria-zirconia catalysts by
the incorporation of transition metals. The applications of these catalysts in industrially
important reactions like ethylbenzene oxidation, alkylation of aromatics are also
investigated.Sol-gel method is effective for the preparation of transition metal modified
ceria and ceria-zirconia mixed oxide since it produces catalyst with highly dispersed
incorporated metal. Unlike that of impregnation method plugging of pores is not
prominent for sol-gel derived catalyst materials. This prevents loss of surface area on
metal modification as evident for BET surface area measurements.The powder X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the cubic structure of
transition metal modified ceria and ceria-zirconia catalysts. The thermal stability is
evident from TGA/DTA analysis. DR UV-vis spectra provide information on the
coordination environment of the incorporated metal. EPR analysis ofCr, Mn and Cu
modified ceria and a ceria-zirconia catalyst reveals the presence of different oxidation
states of incorporated metal.Temperature programmed desorption of ammonia and thermogravimetric
desorption of 2,6-dimethyl pyridine confirms the enhancement of acidity on metal incorporation. High a-methyl styrene selectivity in cumene cracking reaction implies
the presence of comparatively more number of Lewis acid sites with some amount of
Bronsted acid sites. The formation of cyclohexanone during cyclohexanol
decomposition confirms the presence of basic sites on the catalyst surface.Mn and Cr modified catalysts show better activity towards ethylbenzene
oxidation. A redox mechanism through oxometal pathway is suggested.All the catalysts were found to be active towards benzylation of toluene and
a-xylene. The selectivity towards monoalkylated products remains almost 100%. The
catalytic activity is correlated with the Lewis acidity of the prepared systems.The activity of the catalysts towards methylation of phenols depends on the
strength acid sites as well as the redox properties of the catalysts. A strong
dependence of methylation activity on the total acidity is illustrated.
Description:
Department of Applied Chemistry,
Cochin University of Science and Technology
Sugunan, S; Renuka, N K(Indian Journal of Chemistry, February , 2001)
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Abstract:
Vapour phase methylation of phenol is carried out over La2O3 supported vanadia systems of various composition. The structural features and physico chemical characterisation of the catalysts are investigated. Orthovanadates are formed in addition to surface vanadyl species on the metal oxide support. No V2O5 crystallites are detected. The acid base properties of the oxides are studied by Hammett indicator method and decomposition of cyclohexanol.The data are correlated with the catalytic activity and selectivity of the products. Ring alkylation is found to be predominant over these catalysts.
Sugunan, S; Sherly, K B(Indian Journal of Chemistry, October , 1994)
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Abstract:
Lanthanum oxide, La2O3 has been found to be an effective
catalyst for the liquid phase reduction of cyclohexanone.
The catalytic activities of La2O3 activated
at 300, 500 and 800·C and its mixed oxides with
alumina for the reduction of cyclohexanone with
2-propanol have been determined and the data parallel
that of the electron donating properties of the catalysts.
The electron donating properties of the catalysts have
been determined from the adsorption of electron acceptors
of different electron affinities on the surface of
these oxides.
The catalytic activity of some of the ABO3 (A = La, Pr
and Sm, B= Cr, Mn, Fe, Co and Ni) perovskite-type oxides
for the liquid phase reduction of ketone and oxidation of
alcohol in 2-propanol medium has been studied. The data
have been correlated with the surface electron donor
properties of these oxides. The surface electron donor
properties have been determined from the adsorption of
electron acceptors of varying electron affinities on the
oxide surface.
Spinel systems with the composition of Cu 1−x Zn x Cr 2 O 4 [x = 0 CCr, x = 0.25 CZCr-1, x = 0.5 CZCr-2, x = 0.75 CZCr-3 and x = 1 ZCr] were prepared by homogeneous co-precipitation method and were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and FT-IR spectroscopy. Elemental analysis was done by EDX, and surface area measurements by the BET method. The redox behavior of these catalysts in cyclohexane oxidation at 243 K using TBHP as oxidant was examined. Cyclohexanone was the major product over all catalysts with some cyclohexanol. 69.2% selectivity to cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone at 23% conversion of cyclohexane was realized over zinc chromite spinels in 10 h.
Nisha, P C; Dr. George, K C(Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, October , 2006)
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Abstract:
The present investigation revealed three types of circulating haemocytes
in the haemolymph of F. indicus: hyalinocytes, small-granule haemocytes, and
large-granule haemocytes. Intermediate stages indicate the maturing process of a
single cell. The presence of enzymes such as peroxidase, phenoloxidase and acid
phosphatase in the haemocytes, and the substantial production of oxygen radicals
during phagocytosis show that the haemocytes are capable of mounting a fme
cellular defense mechanism. The enzyme activities of the serum and the presence
of agglutinins in the serum, which may act as opsonins, agglutinate foreign
particles and augment phagocytosis, confirm the presence of a superior humoral
immune system in F. indicus.Bacterial infection caused considerable variations in the cellular and
humoral factors, such as the number of circulating cells and haemagglutinating
activity, especially in the initial hours of infection. The total haemocyte count,
haemagglutination titer and phenoloxidase enzyme showed significant reductions
on bacterial presence and could be used as indicators of bacterial infection.The number of circulating cells showed drastic fluctuation on exposure to
pollutants. Nuvan at low concentrations was able to produce changes in the
haemolymph factors and in the tissue organization, which implies that the animal
is under stress and is easily prone to infections. Exposure to nuvan resulted in
significant variation in all of the cellular and humoral factors, especially, the total
haemocyte count, percentage of small granule haemocytes, phagocytic activity
and the haemagglutinating activity, which might be good indicators of pesticide
pollution. Heavy metal exposure caused significant increase in total haemocyte
count and reduction in phenoloxidase enzyme activity Even changes in the
physio-chemical parameters, such as salinity caused fluctuations in the defense
factors, indicating stress in this euryhaline species. The dietary incorporation of a
commercial immunostimulant containing P-l,3 glucan resulted in stimulation of
some of the humoral defense factors of F indicus, but was time dependent. The
modulations, on exposure to various external factors, in the cellular and humoral
factors, especially, total haemocyte count, phagocytic activity, haemagglutinating
activity and the phenoloxidase and acid phosphatase enzymes suggest that these
parameters could be used as indicators of the health status of F indicus, which
assist in better monitoring and effective health management of this important
cultured species.